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Solsberry Man Arrested After Exposing Self And Fondling Girl

Last updated on Sunday, February 4, 2018

(BLOOMINGTON) - A Solsberry man was arrested Friday after police say he exposed himself and fondled a 15-year-old girl.

Bloomington Police arrested 48-year-old James Purtlebaugh on a charge of sexual misconduct with a minor. He is being held on a $20,500 bond. Purtlebaugh is a lifetime sex offender who must register with the state.

The incident happened on Jan. 19, when Purtlebaugh brought the teen with him to Bloomington to run errands. Police say Purtlebaugh is a friend of the girl's boyfriend's family, currently living in a camper next to their property.

The teen told police that Purtlebaugh drove his truck to the top level of Indiana University Health Bloomington Hospital's parking garage and told her they needed to kill time. She told police that Purtlebaugh then began fondling her breasts and stuck his hands down her pants, even after her numerous protest to stop. He then exposed his genitals to her.

She then told him that her boyfriend, who is also a minor, would be wondering where she is, and that they should head back to Greene County. When she arrived at her boyfriend's house she told his parents what happened and they reported the incident to police on Jan. 30.

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